A mother has written a powerful open letter after learning her son was being bullied at school.
MaryAnn Parisi, from Connecticut, America, said she wanted the children bullying her 11-year-old step-son Michael to know "everything he has been through".
The mother posted the open letter alongside two photos of her son - one of him now and one when he was born prematurely at 26 weeks - and challenged readers to share her son's story with the children in their lives.
She wrote: "Maybe knowing his background is the difference. Even the best children have moments of insecurity and weakness."
"Teaching and showing them why he (or anybody else) is different might be the more positive way," Parisi continued.
"Sometimes knowing is learning and growing. Sometimes we all need a reminder, because we all can have our moments."
Parisi explained Michael was born nearly three months premature at 26 weeks and spent the first three months of his life fighting to stay alive.
Three months later, his biological mother left him.
"He has survived failure to thrive and numerous other health issues to become the strong, healthy boy he is," wrote Parisi.
"He didn't learn to talk till he was three years old. Walking was very delayed. He didn't have teeth till after his first birthday. He was so very behind. But he loved. Oh how he loved.
"To this day, his smile is the best thing ever.
"He forgives and honestly, he forgets too. There is not one judgemental bone in his body.
"I strive to be more like him daily but fall very short. You called him brace face today, before you were picking on him because of his eating habits."
The mother went on to explain the difficulties her son still faces now. Difficulties that many who know him know nothing about.
She added: "Did you know he physically can not control the food staying in his mouth or how very bad his hand/eye coordination is?
"Those braces are just one of the many steps he will endure, to help align his lower jaw that never fully developed. So he doesn't spill his food or chew weirdly anymore. So you won't pick on him.
"Kicking his chair, calling him stupid, ugly, brace face, bucky beaver. Telling him to sit down and shut up is not the way.
"You don't have to like him, but you do have to respect him. He's a fighter, that's a very small portion of his story. Share, teach, grow.
"Most importantly respect those around you, you never know what they have been through."
The post, which was uploaded on 12 January, was shared 3,500 times within a week.
Many people commented on the open letter saying how brave Parisi was for sharing her thoughts online.
One person wrote: "This is so touching, my heart goes out to what a special person you are. For such a caring and loving family. Your son is a miracle child... thankfully he was given a miracle family."
Parisi later shared the news that she will be working with her son's school and teachers to end the bullying.
She commented: "[The school] went above and beyond how it was handled and look forward to figuring out to handle this."
How To Talk About Bullying
DO: Tell Them They Are Not Alone(01 of11)
Open Image ModalBullying can be an incredibly isolating experience, and many victims feel that they are alone–that something about them, specifically, has brought this on. Explain to your child that bullying is something that can happen to anyone: boys, girls, preschoolers, high schoolers, kids at large schools and kids at small schools. This means there is a large group of people impacted by bullying, and if we all work together, we can certainly make a difference. (credit:Shutterstock)
DON'T: Suggest They "Just Ignore It"(02 of11)
Open Image ModalA common reaction to bullying is encouraging the victim to ignore the bully. "They just want a reaction," people say, and if you deny them the reaction, they'll go away. That's not always the case. Sometimes, when the bully realizes they are being ignored, they can feel a sense of power over their victim that can actually make the situation worse. (credit:Shutterstock)
DO: Check In Regularly(03 of11)
Open Image ModalAsking your child basic questions about their day and their experience at school can help you catch a problem sooner. Ask how a specific class was, or who they sat with at lunch. Ask who is trying out for the team, or who is going to local fair that weekend. These harmless questions tell your child that you care, but they can also help you detect changes in your child's situation that may indicate a bullying problem. (credit:Getty Images)
DON'T: Suggest Your Child Stand Up To The Bully(04 of11)
Open Image ModalWhile helping your child prepare a speech or enrolling them in self-defense courses might seem like an empowering solution, you're sending the message to your child that this problem is theirs, and that they have to handle it alone. Instead, discuss what some solutions might be and involve your child in the decision making process. (credit:Shutterstock)
DO: Set Boundaries Online(05 of11)
Open Image ModalThe National Crime Prevention Council reports that 20 to 43 percent of middle and high school school students have reported being victims of cyber bullying. Encourage your child to protect themselves by following these two guidelines:1. Never say or do anything online that you wouldn't say or do in person. 2. Never share any information that you wouldn't tell a stranger. (credit:Shutterstock)
DON'T: Express Disbelief(06 of11)
Open Image ModalWhile we'd like to think we know everything about our children and their friends, don't express disbelief if they say someone has done something that shocks you. Your child needs to know that they can trust you. Asking them to provide evidence or saying that someone "would never do that" can come across as you taking the side of someone other than your child. Instead, be as supportive as possible and listen to their side. (credit:Shutterstock)
DO: Encourage Them To Speak Up(07 of11)
Open Image ModalA recent study of children ages 9 to 12, showed that 56 percent said that they usually either say or do something to try to stop bullying or tell someone who can help (Brown, Birch, & Kancherla, 2005). Make sure your child knows who he or she can talk to if they have something they want to share, whether that is you, a school counselor, a teacher or a coach. (credit:Shutterstock)
DO: Discourage Password Sharing(08 of11)
Open Image ModalExplain the importance of keeping online passwords private, even from close friends. Your child may be thinking that sharing a password with a close friend is harmless and convenient, but explain that anyone with their password could impersonate them online and embarrass them. If they insist that the friend would never do that, remind them that the friend could share their password, either intentionally or unintentionally, and someone else would have that same power. (credit:Shutterstock)
DON'T: Take Matters Entirely Into Your Own Hands(09 of11)
Open Image ModalWhile your first reaction may be to protect your child by calling the parent of the bully or confront the child yourself, this is not always a good solution. Not only is this this rarely effective, it may even prove fodder for additional bullying. Your child wants to feel empowered and involved in the solution, so discuss options with him or her and work together to decide on a plan of action. (credit:Shutterstock)
DO: Be Patient(10 of11)
Open Image ModalYour child may be embarrassed or afraid to talk about what is happening to them. This is normal. Rather than pressuring your child into speaking before they are ready, just make it clear that you are willing to listen and be a source of support for them. Once they feel comfortable, they will know that they can open up to you and seek your advice. Better yet, if you've had this conversation preemptively, before a problem arises, your child will know right away that you can be their partner in finding a solution. (credit:Shutterstock)
DO: Find Resources Online(11 of11)
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